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Many people live with chronic joint pain from old injuries or conditions like arthritis, which can prevent them from enjoying their favourite activities. But this doesn’t have to be the case; treatment options are available.
Mayfair’s expert pain management team has years of experience treating musculoskeletal and spine concerns. We use medical imaging to accurately target and treat muscle and joint pain. These procedures are low risk and often provide immediate pain relief.
For example, a cortisone injection introduces a steroid (an anti-inflammatory medication) into joints and soft tissues to decrease inflammation and stiffness, and reduce pain. With the help of fluoroscopy (a type of continuous X-ray) or ultrasound, a radiologist can use medical imaging to guide a small dose of the steroid into the specific inflamed area of concern while keeping the potential side effects to a minimum.
Conditions with inflammation as an underlying problem respond well to these injections. These can include:
At Mayfair, in addition to the cortisone medication, a short-lasting local anesthetic (freezing) is also injected so your relief can be immediate. On average, the steroid starts to work after 48 hours.
Another benefit of this injection is that you may need less of other medications and can avoid certain side effects that can accompany many oral anti-inflammatory medications, such as irritation of the stomach. Other advantages include high success rate, rapid onset, and convenient access.
These are very safe procedures. The most common side effect of an injection is mild pain or bruising around the area. Over-the-counter pain medications or icing the area can help. Long-term effects of repeated cortisone injections may include weakening of muscle, tendons, and local skin changes, so, to avoid this, we will make suggestions for alternate treatments or supportive care when repeated cortisone injections have failed to relieve symptoms.
As all our procedures are performed in a sterile manner according to provincial guidelines, only in very rare circumstances will a patient develop an infection or an allergy to a substance in the product. The booking staff will review your allergies with you prior to your appointment.
After your injection, the freezing may last for a few hours. Your symptoms may return until the steroid takes effect in 3-7 days. Results can last from weeks to months depending on the joint or body part involved, severity of the disease, and the cause of your pain. Some patients get complete relief after a single injection, while others may need to return for additional injections. These injections are both therapeutic (treat symptoms) and diagnostic (identify the cause of your pain). If an injection does not help relieve your pain, then you may need further evaluation. Repeated steroid injections are not recommended at the same site. We can advise on other non-steroid injections to be considered.
There will be discomfort or very short-lived pain during the injection and when administering the local anesthetic. However, pain perception depends greatly on your pain threshold and the degree of inflammation of the area involved. Most patients find the pain tolerable. Mayfair’s expert team has extensive experience in performing these procedures and do our very best to make them as quick and painless as possible.
As a patient, the most important thing to do is discuss your symptoms with your health care practitioner. They will determine the best steps for treatment. Before your health care practitioner determines a cortisone injection is the best treatment for you, they may request an X-ray or ultrasound to help localize the specific cause of your symptoms.
Pain management procedures must be requested by a health care practitioner. Once the cause has been identified and treatment options reviewed, a pain management procedure may be recommended by us or requested by your practitioner. You will need a requisition from your physician. Once we have received the requisition, we will then review it and contact you to confirm the area and type of injection requested, and to book the appointment.
Mayfair Diagnostics offers pain management services at four clinics across Calgary: Castleridge, Mahogany Village, Market Mall, and Mayfair Place.
Driver, C.B. & Shiel, W.C. (2022) “Cortisone Injection.” www.MedicineNet.com. Accessed August 11, 2022.
Foster, Z.J., et al (2015) “Corticosteroid Injections for Common Musculoskeletal Conditions.” American Academy of Family Physicians, October, 92(8): 694-699.
Mayo Clinic Staff (2021) “Cortisone shots.” www.mayoclinic.org. Accessed August 11, 2022.
Shah, A., et al (2019) “Musculoskeletal Corticosteroid Administration: Current Concepts.” Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal, February, 70 (1): 29-36
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At the heart of everything we do is a belief that every image tells a story—and every story deserves care.
At Mayfair Diagnostics, we provide state-of-the-art medical imaging that helps patients and physicians get the clarity they need to make informed decisions about health. From routine check-ups to complex diagnoses, our role is to deliver answers with compassion and accuracy.
We offer a full spectrum of imaging services, including:
MRI, CT, and X-Ray for advanced diagnostic insight
Ultrasound and Mammography for preventative and women’s health
Nuclear Medicine, Bone Density, and Cardiac Imaging for specialized care
Pain Management and Interventional Procedures to improve quality of life
But our work extends beyond exams and equipment. As the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada, we connect urban, rural, and remote communities with expert radiology services—ensuring access to care when and where it’s needed most.
We also partner with local organizations, sports teams, and community groups to keep people healthy and active. From professional athletes to families booking their first screening, our commitment is the same: timely results, advanced technology, and compassionate care.
To improve lives with clarity, compassion, and care—one focused image at a time.
But numbers only tell part of the story. What truly defines us is our culture of compassion. We’re a team of caregivers, innovators, and problem-solvers who share a commitment to excellence. Whether supporting frontline care, developing new technology workflows, or guiding a patient through their appointment, we approach our work with empathy and integrity.
At Mayfair, you’re not just part of a company—you’re part of a community. Together, we’re shaping the future of health care, making advanced imaging accessible, and creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.
WHO WE ARE. WHAT WE DO. Why we’re more than a workplace
At Mayfair Diagnostics, we’re caregivers, nurturers, creators and thought leaders—deeply rooted in a passion to help people. We deliver meaningful work, compassionate care, and an environment where every team member can thrive.
Key Points:
Founded on over a century of excellence in medical imaging.
Owned and operated by 50+ radiologists, supported by 400–640+ employees across clinical, technical, administrative, and support roles.
Operating 17 locations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and beyond (14 in Calgary, plus Cochrane, Regina, Saskatoon).
Serving 600,000–700,000 patients annually, delivering over 90,000 radiological interpretations—the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada.
Vision & Mission:
Vision: “A world in which every person has clarity about their health.”
Mission: “To improve people’s lives, one focused image and one caring, compassionate human touch at a time.”
